5 Tips For Incredible Winter Photos

As beautiful as winter landscapes are to the naked eye, they tend to look disappointing on camera. Devoid of summer colors, nature shots don’t pop out at all and can render a magical scene … boring. That doesn’t mean you should put your camera aside until spring. On the contrary – take it as a challenge, check out these tips and then brave the cold #fotomagic

1.Go macro. If you haven’t thought about this before, it’s time to take action. Take your macro lens and spy for some snowflakes. These can look ethereal seen up close, so don’t hesitate on putting the spotlight on them. To really get the effect you want, you’ll need an extension tube for your macro – see if a friend can lend you one or look for an affordable option.

@Aaron Burden

2.Adjust white balance. It’s morning and you’re making coffee, looking at the fresh snow covering the ground. Going out in the cold is probably the last thing you want to do, but, believe it or not, this is a great opportunity to capture a picture worthy of a Hallmark card. If the snow looks more blue than white in the first shots, just adjust the white balance of your camera. Overexpose your shot with 1 or 2 stops.

3.Use HDR. Surprising? Well, it’s about time you experimented with it. In winter, you can create some pretty dramatic pictures, that will leave a lasting impression on anyone who sees them. See if you have an AEB setting on your camera to take such photos or use your smartphone. Phones have gotten pretty smart and can take exquisite HDR photos with the right technology. OnePlus 3, for example, is capable of capturing fine details and great textures using FotoNation’s tone mapping technology. Specifically, the tech can”increase the dynamic range with almost 4 stops while keeping the exposure shift at less than half a stop for both highlights and shadows.”

4.Play with ice. Seriously, ice can form in intriguing shapes and forms, making for awesome object shots.

@Dawn Armfield

5.Follow the storm. If you live near the sea or you’re going for vacation at a cottage close to a lake, watch out for storms. They can be beautifully captured on camera. Don’t forget to play with shutter speeds until you get a mesmerizing picture.

Do you have some tips for beginners in winter photography? Don’t hesitate to tell us about them!